Monday, 31 May 2010
Seoul, South Korea
Farewell to Al. Thank you. It’s been a cracking weekend in Tokyo. And a flying visit to Japan. Whetted my appetite for future forays to the land of the rising sun.
Constant conurbation for the 90 minute rail journey to Narita airport for the flight to Seoul.
At security, the free corkscrew that came with a bottle of wine in Warsaw is confiscated as it has a ‘knife’ about an inch long. The foil cutter. I make out that it’s not a ‘knife’ as it’s blunt. And run my thumb over it to prove to Japanese security that it is blunt.
And promptly cut myself.
Muppet.
Not the smartest thing to do to prove it’s blunt. It is indeed confiscated. And in need of a plaster.
As the aircraft pushes back, two airport managers wearing suit and tie and a female manager wearing a smart dress stand to attention and then bow to the aircraft.
Enjoy the best airline food I’ve ever had. Korean Air done good. Sitting in Business Class, the champagne flows and the meal is a steaming hot plate full of bulgogi (fried meat), rice, kimchi, lettuce leaves, bean curd and herbs. Actually provided instructions on how to eat it. Basically, put a load of rice, meat, kimchi and bean curd paste in a lettuce leaf, roll leaf up and eat.
It. Is. Delicious.
Tell the air stewardess that it’s the best inflight meal I’ve had. She brings a second serving over. Which has to be declined.
Repeat the process of bus from airport to the front steps of the Hotel Ibis Myeongdong (http://ibis-styles-ambassador-myeongdong.seoul-hotels-kr.com/en/).
Quiet night required.
You know.
To recover from the excesses of a memorable weekend.
